Cartoon Network Commits $500 Million and Arnesen to Int'l Program Production

Finn Arnesen has been promoted from programming development chief of Cartoon Network Europe to head program production for Cartoon Network International with responsibility for all areas outside the U.S. The CN exec will be kept exceptionally busy with Cartoon Networks recent commitment of more than $500 million over five years (2003-2007) to produce original animated programming. Much of the programming, will be developed and produced at the Cartoon Network Studios in Burbank, California, under the overall responsibility of recently appointed Bob Higgins, head of Cartoon Network programming and development in the U.S.

Arnesen now represents all Cartoon Network channels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia and the Far East to enable the international channels to play a more proactive role in the development process. In Europe, Finn has overseen the co-production of shows such as THE CRAMP TWINS, a 26 half-hour series, on Cartoon Network and the BBC and SPACED OUT with Alphanim. A second season of THE CRAMP TWINS and a new show, ROBOTBOY, are in the pipeline.

Arnesen will be the liaison between the domestic and international markets for all original program development, and retains his existing title of vp of programming, acquisitions and development in Europe.

"This new role will be invaluable to Cartoon Network globally, and is richly deserved by Finn as a recognition of his undisputed expertise in programming," said Tina McCann, svp/gm for Turner Entertainment Network International Ltd.

Arnesen joined Turner Entertainment Networks International in 1993, and is responsible for the development of animation and original productions, as well as overseeing all scheduling and program buying for all Cartoon Network Europe feeds.

Worldwide Cartoon Network is available in 17 languages on 21 feeds in 155 million homes. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, channels are operated by Turner Broadcasting System Europe Ltd., an AOL Time Warner Co.